Tuesday, January 31, 2012

BREAKUP - My Favourite Short Stories Revisited Part 42


My Favourite Short Stories Revisited Part 42
BREAKUP
By
VIKRAM KARVE

From my Creative Writing Archives: 
One of my earliest stories -  A Short Story of a Modern Relationship

It’s a warm Sunday morning in Pune.

Let’s go to the apartment of a young Double Income No Kids (DINK) couple in a posh residential complex in Aundh.

The man and the woman, both in their late twenties, sit across a table in the drawing room.

Let’s eavesdrop and hear what they are talking...! 

“Let’s start with the house,” the man says. 

“Okay,” the woman says. 

“We bought it for 25. It’s worth more than 50 today.” 

“You keep the house,” the woman says. 

“Thanks. I knew you would let me keep it,” the man says with a sigh of relief and opens a folder on the table between them. “I’ve worked it out exactly. Here’s a cheque for 15 Lakhs. I’ll take over all your EMIs and your part of the loan. Have a look at the papers and sign.” 

The woman signs the papers without reading, picks up the cheque without even looking at it and puts it in her purse. 

“The car. You want to keep it...?” the man asks.

“Of course. It’s on my name. I got the loan, remember...!” 

“Please. Let’s not start yours and mine again. We agreed the breakup would be as amicable as possible.” 

“I’m sorry,” the woman says a bit contrite. 

“It’s just that I thought you’d like to buy a new car.” 

“No. I like the Santro.” 

“Okay. I’ll make do with my old bike for a few days. Then I’ll go in for the SUV I always wanted.” 

The woman looks at the wall-clock. “Oh my God...! It’s ten thirty already. The packers and movers will be here any moment. Let’s hurry and finish it off once and for all...!” 

“Okay. Let’s go room by room,” the man says.

He gives the woman a notepad and a pen, “You better write it down, so you can tell the packers.” 

“You write,” the woman says. 

“Okay. Let’s start with the living room.” 

“The TV, DVD, Music System – you can keep everything. I only want all the beautiful wrought iron furniture I’ve specially got made.” 

“At least leave me a couple of chairs and a table...!” the man pleads. 

“Oh, come on...! When will you understand...? It’s a whole set...! You can buy the cheap molded furniture you always liked.” 

“Okay. Let’s go to the kitchen.” 

“I’ll take the microwave and dishwasher; and some good crockery and cutlery. You keep the stainless steel stuff which you love for its utilitarian value.” 

“Don’t be sarcastic...!” the man snaps. 

“I’m not being sarcastic...!” the woman answers, “I’m sick and tired of your ‘Value For Money’ obsession. You never like anything elegant and refined.” 

“I prefer to drink the best scotch in a stainless steel tumbler rather than a third rate whisky served in fancy cut-glass...!” 

“Oh yeah...So go ahead Cheapie...! Once I leave, you can eat out of earthenware bowls and sit on straw mats for all I care...! But I like classy stuff. Oh, yes... I’m taking the new carpet you’ve kept packed inside, those new lace curtains and all the curios.” 

“Sure. Take anything you want. Except my books...Please let me have all my books...!” 

“Books...! I don’t want any of your books,” the woman says, “That’s all you’ve done. Buy books and wallow in them. With the money you’ve squandered on your books you could have bought me a diamond, the solitaire I wanted for my last birthday.” 

“Please Anju...! Let’s not start again.” 

“Okay Abhi. I’m sorry. Let’s get all this over with as quickly as possible and part happily as good friends.” 

And so they go about it, without a trace of acrimony, scrupulously and systematically, room by room, cupboard by cupboard, item by item – clothes, air conditioner, computer, washing machine, furniture, beds, linen, everything; even the playthings and investments they had diligently accumulated for the unconceived and unborn baby they had planned to have after they both were well established in their careers – each and every asset in the house is meticulously divided between the two and the woman’s items are segregated, packed and loaded in the truck by the packers. 

“Thanks for making it so easy,” the woman says. 

“You too...!” the man says. 

“No hard feelings...?” 

“No hard feelings...! It’s best for both of us.” 

“I know. We were mismatched, just not compatible, that’s all.” 

"There were good times too...!” 

“Yes.” 

“It had to happen. I’m so happy it’s happened so amicably.” 

“Me too. Bye Abhi. Take care,” the woman says and calls out, “Dolly...! Dolly...!” 

A cute and fluffy little snow-white Lhasa Apso dog, who till now was sitting quietly in the balcony, runs up to the woman, excitedly wagging its tail. The woman lovingly picks up the adorable little dog in her arms and begins to walk towards the door. 

“Hey...? Where are you taking Dolly...?” asks the man apprehensively. 

“With me, of course,” the woman says holding the adorable dog in her arms. 

“No, you’re not...! Dolly stays with me...!” the man says firmly. 

“How can she stay with you...?” 

“What do you mean ‘how can she stay with me’...? This is her house. She will stay here like she has stayed all these days. I’ll look after her...” the man says emphatically. 

“No. I’m taking Dolly with me. Look how she’s cuddling in my arms...” the woman says. 

“She cuddles in my arms too...! Dolly stays with me.You can’t take her...” the man says firmly. 

“I’m taking her. Try stopping me...!” the woman says defiantly and moves towards the door. 

In a flash, the man rushes to the door and menacingly blocks her way.

The dog senses the tension and stiffens. 

“Look, you’re scaring her,” the woman says. 

“Give her to me,” the man says in a firm no-nonsense voice and he takes Dolly in his arms and begins baby-talking to her, petting her and gently fondling her neck lovingly with his hand. The dog relaxes, snuggles and begins to lovingly lick his hands. 

“Be reasonable, Abhi,” the woman says. “I always assumed Dolly would be coming with me. That’s why I’ve found a ground floor flat with a small garden where she can play. She feels cooped up here and you’ll find it difficult to look after her.” 

“How can you assume such things...? Dolly is staying with me. I’ll look after her. You don’t worry.” 

“Don’t be stubborn, Abhi...! Give her to me please...” the woman pleads. 

“No. Dolly stays right here with me.” 

“I’m not going without her.” 

“Don’t go...” the man says. 

“What do you mean ‘Don’t go’...! We had agreed to the separation and that we would work out things amicably. That there would be no acrimony or rancor and we would always remain good friends. Then why this bitterness at the last moment...? Please give Dolly to me...” the woman says. 

“No. Dolly stays with me right here. I can’t live without her.” 

“I too can’t live without her.” 

“Then stay here...!” the man says. 

“Okay. I’ll stay put right here,” the woman says defiantly. “I’m not moving an inch from here till you don’t let me take Dolly with me.” 

“Fine...” 

“Fine...”

In the evening, the man and the woman, the DINK couple, are playing with their cute little dog, Dolly, on the lush green lawns of their residential complex. 

Epilogue

Three years ago when our protagonists, the man and the woman, newly married, were in Shillong for their honeymoon, their jolly dog-loving uncle, a retired Colonel, presented them with a beautiful month old baby female Lhasa Apso pup as a wedding gift. He had already named her Dolly. The Colonel’s wife scolded him saying that the pet would encumber the young couple’s married life.

In fact, their darling pet dog Dolly saved the DINK marriage. She turned out to be their bundle of joy - the "Kid" in the "Double Income No Kids" family.


VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This is a story from my short stories book COCKTAIL
Did you like this story? 
I am sure you will like the stories in my recently published book COCKTAIL comprising twenty seven short stories about relationships. 
To order the book please click the links below:
FLIPKART
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
INDIAPLAZA
APK Publishers

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the link below:
AMAZON
SMASHWORDS

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and he is currently working on his novel. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts. 

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com          

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

AN UNFORGETTABLE INDIAN DERBY - a Punter Walks Down Memory Lane

INDIAN DERBY 1980
An Unforgettable Race
A PUNTER WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE
By
VIKRAM KARVE


It’s been a long time since I visited the race course to watch horse racing, the King of Sport and the Sport of Kings
But Derby Day is fast approaching and I am quite excited as to who is going to win the greatest classic of the season at the Mahalakshmi Race Course the Indian Derby on Sunday. 
I can never forget that exciting afternoon on my very first day at the races, Sunday the 3rd of February 1980, when I was so lucky to witness the crème de la crème of horse races in India – The Indian Derby, run on the first Sunday of February every year since 1943.
I still have vivid memories of that wonderful afternoon, though almost 32 years have passed since that delightful Derby day. 
I was working in Mumbai then and a number of my colleagues were avid punters, as race-goers are called.

The excitement started on Wednesday when the declarations appeared in the newspapers and the conversations were abuzz with heated discussions as to would win the Indian Derby – Aristocrat or Everynsky?

Well, Aristocrat and Everynsky were both favourites to win the Derby and each had their passionate followers. But there were other good horses in the fray too, notably a horse called Mohawk.

By Friday the papers, both the newspapers and the race tabloids, were full of predictions, and both Aristocrat and Everynsky had top following, but Mohawk too was tipped to win by a few tipsters.

Come Saturday evening and the Cole Race Books were duly picked up from the bookstall at Churchgate and my punter friends were in a frenzy, calculating, computing, what they were going to wager – in the Derby, and in the other races too, at the bookmakers and at the tote, for the jackpot, the treble and the tanala.

The topic of conversation during our Sunday morning walk on the Marine Drive was the Indian Derby, with “expert opinions” being freely aired. After a brunch of Kheema Pav and Chai at our favourite Stadium Restaurant next to Churchgate Railway Station we took off by local train to Mahalakshmi. We made it a point to purchase “return tickets” in case we had a bad day!

Almost everyone got off at Mahalakshmi and the atmosphere in the race course was electrifying. The air was festive, like a carnival, with there were so many two-legged birds in the most fashionable dresses and exotic hats that I wondered whether I should focus on the horses or the beauties.

To a novice like me the whole process was mind-boggling – first see the horses parade in the paddock, then rush to the bookmakers rings, which was surcharged with excitement, look at the odds, look at your own calculations in your Cole, listen to tips, run once more to the paddock to see the jockeys mount and the horses being led off to the starting dates, and then rush back to the bookmakers betting ring to place your bet.

For me it was fun to watch this spectacle because I was only placing modest bets of five and ten rupees on the tote and had decided to just place one bet in the Indian Derby race of a hundred rupees for a win at the bookmakers, though I had not decided on the horse yet – but it was going to be either Aristocrat or Everynsky, whoever offered better odds.

Just before the Indian Derby, as I watched the horses parade in the paddock, I got a premonition, and following my sixth sense I placed my win bet on Mohawk. Most of my punter friends were betting heavily on Everynsky (it seems they had got a last minute “tip”) and the die-hards were backing Aristocrat, those two were the favourites to win, but there was a frenzy of betting on all horses, Mohawk too, as the odds fluctuated wildly.

In the betting ring I observed a pretty young lady observing me as I place my bet and suddenly she asked me, “Who do you like?”

I wanted to say that I liked her, but true to racing form I said, “I like Mohawk,” so she bet on Mohawk too.

It was a fantastic race. 

All eyes were on Aristocrat, Jagdish astride, who had a stable-mate as pacemaker, and I think it was the famous Vasant Shinde who was riding Everynsky, but Wally Swinburn magnificently steered Mohawk to victory causing a stunning upset as the Mohawk won the race from a fast finishing Everynsky with Aristocrat left far behind out of the reckoning.

My punter colleagues, most of whom had backed Everynsky and a few who had put their money on Aristocrat, were quite surprised at my win, and as I went to collect my win dividends, I noticed the pretty young girl looking at me and smiling with joy as if we shared some secret. She was delighted that she had outwitted her dad, a dyed-in-the-wool punter, who had bet on Aristocrat. Before she said bye and walked towards the members’ enclosure, she hoped I would be coming to races next Sunday and looked forward to some “expert” tips from me. And that was the beginning of a long and lovely friendship for I was punctually there at the Mahalaxmi Race Course on every Sunday afternoon for the rest of the season. What happened to our beautiful punters’ romance – well, that’s another story.

Soon I would have to move out of Mumbai, but whenever I was in Mumbai, I never missed the Indian Derby or any of the other classics. I have enjoyed the races at the magnificent race course at Kolkata, where lady luck favoured me greatly, at Bangalore, where too I was quite lucky, and at Mysore, the most picturesque race course nestling under the Chamundi Hills, and, of course, at the cute little race course at Pune, my home town.

I witnessed many memorable derby races, at Mumbai and elsewhere, but the most extraordinary Indian Derby I remember was in 2003 when a relatively unknown horse called Noble Eagle who was supposed to be a pacemaker flew off from the starting gates, kept galloping at top speed and won the race start to finish causing the biggest upset ever in the Indian Derby. 

Guess what – the pretty young lady, who had metamorphosed into a beautiful woman, thanked me once again for the “tip” and this time her winnings were quite a bit. I wonder why I liked Noble Eagle. I looked at the horses parading in the paddock and while they were being led off to the starter gates, suddenly it was a sixth sense that made me wager a place bet on Noble Eagle, though, like my beautiful friend, who seemed to have more confidence in me that I myself had, I wish I had been more daring and placed a win bet and made a small fortune. 

But sixth sense doesn't always work, so it is better to follow the conventional way – do your homework, listen to tips and advice, have a look at the horses in the paddock parade, and observe the goings-on in the betting rings, and the make your own judgement before you get on with your punting.

I love going to the races. There is so much to enjoy – the thrill of punting, the air of excitement, the festive atmosphere, the strong, swift and handsome horses, the beautiful people in their Sunday best and the delicious snacks in between the races.

Why do I like to go for the races? A quote from my favourite philosophical book The Importance of Living by Lin Yutang probably says it all:

“If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live”

See you at the Indian Derby on Sunday afternoon. Tell me - who do you think will win the Indian Derby 2012? Come on give me a tip.

Happy Punting!

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Did you like this article?
Why don't you read my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL - Stories About Relationships. 
I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com 


© vikram karve., all rights reserved.